The doings in the Jewish community are somewhat light this week for obvious reasons. The upcoming High Holy Days provides us with a golden opportunity to step out, to mingle with others in our community and to reflect on where we’ve been … and where we’re going. There is almost a mystical feeling about Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and the 10 Days of Awe in between. The U’netaneh Tokef recited during the Day of Atonement with its powerful verse: “On Rosh Hashanah it is written and on Yom Kippur it is sealed … ” sums up this period of prayer, reflection and atonement.
Shanah Tovah to all.
From the Daytimers …
Barbara Rubin tells us that the Daytimers had a great time during their Sept. 15 trip to the Genghis Khan exhibit at the Irving Art Center. They were fortunate enough to witness a performance by two wonderful Mongolian dancers.
After the High Holy Days, this group will be in full swing once again. The next event, scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 12 will feature author-historian Richard F. Selcer, who will discuss “Hell’s Half Acre: The Life and Legend of a Red-Light District.” Hell’s Half Acre was located at the site of the present Fort Worth Convention Center. During the late 1800s, the Acre attracted many well-known knaves such as Timothy Courtright, Luke Short, Sam Bass, Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, Etta Place, along with Butch Cassidy and his Wild Bunch. Courtright, who led a very short but exciting life, rose to become the city marshal. He was popular with the people of Fort Worth, but obviously tolerated, or even assisted, operations in the Acre. He’d often be found gambling with the locals in the Acre. Courtright later spent significant amounts of time chasing stagecoach robbers, including the famous Sam Bass.
Selcer was able to trace much of the area’s growth and change by reading Fort Worth city council minutes (all of which still exist), court documents and news reports in the local Fort Worth Gazette and Fort Worth Democrat newspapers.
In addition to some pretty nifty history, participants will also receive a catered lunch, courtesy of Ming Wok. Meal choices are Beef Lo Mein, Chicken with vegetables and Tofu with vegetables, plus an egg roll. Cost is $9 including lunch or $4 for program only.
For reservations, call Barbara at 817-927-2736, or mail checks to Beth-El Congregation, 4900 Briarhaven Rd., Fort Worth, TX 76109, or log onto www.bethelfw.org/donations.
Bring your game …
For his bar mitzvah project, Isaac Narrett is hosting a chess tournament on Sun., Oct. 15 at Beth-El Congregation to benefit the Jewish National Fund Trees for Israel. This is a “non-rated” tournament, and beginners to advanced players of all ages are welcome (sponsors are certainly welcome as well). Questions? Contact Marcy Paul, 817-921-9204 or Isaac at Isaac.narrett@gmail.com.
Create for the cure …
In addition to the High Holy Days, this time of year is when various events to remember and fight against breast cancer take place. There are Walks for the Cure, Runs for the Cure — and even a Ride for the Cure, in which owners of horses ride a certain distance to raise funds to fight this awful disease.
Now, Congregation Ahavath Sholom is sponsoring a Create for the Cure event, which will take place 7-9 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 11 in the shul’s sukkah.
As part of this event, renowned sculptor Gary Rosenthal will combine various metals with fused glass to create his outstanding pieces. The community is invited to participate in this mitzvah by assembling the glass pieces Rosenthal will use to create those sculptures. Participants will be provided with easy-to-assemble kits (and will be able to purchase the completed sculptures at a discounted price). The cost is $18 per participant, with all proceeds benefitting breast cancer research. RSVP required by Sept. 30, call 817-731-4721 for more information or to reserve your spot.
Daughters of Abraham start fall meetings …
Daughters of Abraham are warm, friendly women of three faiths — Jewish, Christian, and Muslim — who get together monthly to promote better understanding and friendships between the faiths. This seems like a very cool group. An evening chapter has been meeting for three years and recently had its first meeting of fall. This chapter meets the third Tuesday of each month at alternating locations; Corrine Jacobson has information about this chapter and she can be reached at 817-294-7844. There is also a daytime chapter that needs Jewish women, as some have relocated to other communities. Interested? Call Bernice Friedman at 817-561-0683 or Janice Lord at 817-492-8249.
News from the Chabads …
The Chabad of Fort Worth/Tarrant County and the Chabad of Arlington are gearing up to teach this year’s Jewish Learning Institute courses. This year’s schedule will include “Fascinating Facts: Exploring the Myths and Mysteries of Judaism,” “Money Matters: Jewish Business Ethics” and the “Art of Marriage.” Each course runs six weeks at a cost of $85 per course. Discounts are available for early registration and for those taking all three courses. For more information, log onto www.myjli.com or contact the local Chabads directly — Chabad of Arlington; www.arlingtonchabad.org or Chabad of Fort Worth; www.chabadfortworth.com.